By Dora Kay Grubb
For a long while with the expansion of the Marion County Historical Society, Inc. projects, the Museum has been overcrowded with preservation supplies and new acquisitions. Space to work on entering da-ta in the PastPerfect computer program and physically repairing and preserving the acquisitions was cramped and not very conducive to recruiting volunteers to do this actual labor of love.

Appeals were made to Marion County Commission for assistance in our ex-panding. The historic building adjunction to the Museum became available in the fall of 2014. The Jacobs-Hutchinson Block was designed by Andrew C. Lyons and constructed in 1901-1902. Beside it The Fairmont Trust Com-pany added a seven story building in 1905. This building is noteworthy as it appears to be the first structure built in the city with reinforced con-crete floors, which provided the building its fire proof qualities. It was and is the second tallest building in Fairmont.

Presently the Society has been given the entire seventh floor that has wonderful views of downtown Fairmont with 18 windows 8’ by 4’. All of these windows will need to be SUV protected. There are eight rooms that can be set up for special projects. Two of the rooms can accommodate 2 eight foot tables with chairs. We will be having free workshops open to the public to learn to how preserve documents, photos and other items in the spring.

The Marion County Historical Society & Museum hosts a collection of amazing and diverse artifacts from past centuries. The museum and the society provide a connection to the events, times, fashions and culture of days past; everyone, regardless of age, can appreciate the fascinating history waiting here that can be explored time and time again.

At the museum, the sheriff's office and jail are special attractions. Kids always love to have their photos taken in one of the jail cells.

Future plans include using jail cells as exhibit areas and turning the house itself back into a historic home open for regular tours and informal weddings.